Python Breeders

If you are after a pet with the “ooh” factor then a python may be perfect for you. Even though snakes are often seen as creepy, pythons actually make for quite fun and interesting pets. Read on for more.

About Pythons

Pythons make great pets for people that are looking for something a little unusual and commonly kept pythons in Australia include carpet pythons and children’s pythons. They are non venomous snakes. Pythons are actually quite placid all around, but they can bite or lash out if they feel threatened. They will accept handling very well but they do not tend to bond (create a relationship) with their owners. Pythons will live for 25-30 years depending on the species and they are very healthy animals, but can suffer from parasites and bacterial and fungal diseases.

Housing Pythons

One of the most important things when having a pet python is making sure that you have the correct home for them. It is a good idea to have a timber enclosure with a glass front or a specialist vivarium. Ensure that the enclosure or cage is fitted with a heat lamp that can be controlled so that the temperature is always at the right level. You’ll also need a UV lamp to give your python the day/night cycle that they need. As a substrate, paper kitty litter or reptile sand can be used. Don’t forget to give your python some branches to climb and a rock or two. Also, a water dish is vital. Make sure that it is big enough for your python to lie in if it wants. Clean the cage regularly to remove faeces, soiled substrate and shed skin.

Feeding Pythons

Mice are the main source of food for your python, and you can get these from the breeder or from most pet stores. How often you feed your python will depend on the season and how active your snake is. Generally, they should only need to be fed weekly or even fortnightly as adults. Pythons begin feeding on hairless baby mice and will graduate to adult mice or even small rats as they get older. Frozen, defrosted mice that have had a vitamin supplement added are best.

Handling Pythons

It is vital that your python is correctly handled. Your breeder should show you how to do this but the basics are to hold the underneath of the snake, and make sure that you are gentle and that the snake knows you are there. As well, you should be sure to have clean hands and clothes. Be careful not to handle your python too much when it is a baby, but it is fine to handle them as much as you want when they are older. Just remember that pythons are cold blooded so they will become more active as they warm up from your body temperature.

One thing that you should remember is that you should not handle pythons when they are shedding as they cannot see properly during this time and they become more easily alarmed. Also, do not handle pythons after you have fed them.

Other Information about Snakes

As pythons are classed as an exotic pet, you will need an appropriate permit to keep them. You will need to contact the relevant wildlife authority in your state or territory to obtain a permit as well as find out any other relevant legislation.